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Thank you for joining us in praying the Mary, Undoer of Knots Novena! If you’ve had any of your prayers answered throughout this novena, you can share those with us all below.
We’re praying for you!
Whenever we grow closer to Jesus’ mother, our mother, we grow closer to Jesus — because Mary always brings us to Jesus.
The month of May is actually dedicated to the Blessed Mother, so it’s the perfect time to ask for her intercession! We will pray the Mary, Undoer of Knots Novena from May 11th – 20th.
You can share your prayer intentions with us all below. We’re praying for you!
We hope you’re having a beautiful Easter Season!
One thing we love about Easter is that we celebrate it for so long… Lent lasts for 40 days, but the Easter season is 50 days long!
The feasting is longer than the fasting! It’s like a reminder that the feasting in Heaven will never end, and all that we endure before then prepares us for that great feast.
While we continue to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and to thank Him for the hope and mercy He offers us, Annie and I wanted to send you our Easter card here.
It is an honor and a joy to pray with you. Thank you so much for praying with us and for those in our community here.
Just scroll down to see our card :)
We’re praying for you every day!
God bless you!
John-Paul & Annie – PrayMoreNovenas.com
We hope to reach more and more people through this prayer service. If these novena emails have been a blessing to you please consider making a small donation to keep this prayer service running here: praymorenovenas.com/support/
We will begin praying the Novena for the Conclave on Tuesday, April 29th.
We will pray to the Holy Spirit for the Cardinals and the future Pope.
You can sign up to join us in prayer here.
We’re praying for you!
God bless you!
In the spiritual life, many of us know the sting of prayers that seem to go unheard. Yet, the saints remind us that perseverance in prayer often leads to remarkable grace, even if it takes years or unfolds in ways we don’t expect.
Their stories reveal the beauty of faith that persists through doubt, delay, and difficulty.
Here are some saints who experienced profound answers to their prayers after great perseverance:
Few stories about perseverance in prayer are as moving as that of St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine. For nearly two decades, Monica prayed for the conversion of her wayward son, who had embraced a life of sin and heretical beliefs. Despite his resistance, she never gave up hope.
Her prayers were ultimately answered when Augustine not only converted but became one of the greatest theologians in Church history.
St. Monica’s story is a testament to the power of intercessory prayer and a reminder to parents struggling with their children’s faith to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
The story of Sts. Anne and Joachim, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a beautiful example of persevering prayer. According to tradition, the couple faced years of heartache due to their inability to conceive a child.
They continued to pray and trust in God’s plan. Their prayers were finally answered when an angel appeared to them, announcing that they would have a child who would be blessed above all others. That child was Mary, who would become the Mother of God.
Sts. Anne and Joachim’s steadfast faith shows that God’s timing is perfect, even when His answers come after long periods of waiting.
Known as the “Saint of Impossible Causes,” St. Rita prayed for years for peace in her turbulent marriage and the conversion of her abusive husband.
After his eventual conversion, she faced more heartache as she prayed for her sons to turn away from vengeance when her husband was murdered. Her prayers were answered in a miraculous way: her sons died of natural causes before committing any acts of violence, saving their souls.
St. Rita’s life demonstrates trust in God amidst seemingly insurmountable difficulties.
St. Patrick is widely known for bringing Christianity to Ireland, but his journey began with a profound trial. Captured by Irish pirates as a teenager, Patrick spent six years in slavery.
During this time, he turned to fervent prayer, growing deeply in his faith and praying for his captors. After his miraculous escape and return to his family, Patrick continued to pray for the Irish people, feeling a persistent call to return and share the Gospel with them.
His prayers were answered when he was ordained a bishop and sent on mission to Ireland. Through years of tireless prayer, preaching, and perseverance, Patrick led thousands to Christ, transforming an entire nation.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
From a young age, St. Thérèse of Lisieux felt called to join the Carmelite convent, but her tender age posed a significant obstacle. Despite being refused admission several times, she persisted in prayer and petitioned both her local bishop and even Pope Leo XIII during a pilgrimage to Rome.
Her prayers were answered when she entered the Carmel at the unprecedented age of 15. Thérèse’s perseverance in prayer exemplifies childlike faith and trust in God’s timing.
St. Joseph of Cupertino
St. Joseph of Cupertino, known as the “Flying Friar” for his ecstatic levitations during prayer, is a powerful witness to perseverance through struggle. As a young man, Joseph faced immense difficulties due to his limited intellectual abilities and clumsiness. He was dismissed from several religious communities and was often misunderstood.
Yet, Joseph remained steadfast in prayer, constantly seeking God’s will and grace. His deepest desire was to become a priest, but he struggled with the academic requirements. Through continuous prayer and unwavering trust, he passed the necessary examinations in what many consider miraculous circumstances—answering the only question he knew during his final exam.
His perseverance in prayer was rewarded not only with ordination but with a profound spiritual life marked by mystical experiences and humility. St. Joseph’s story reminds us that through persistent prayer and trust in God, even our weaknesses can be transformed into channels of grace.
What prayers have you been waiting for God to answer? Look to these saints and take heart! Perseverance in prayer always pays off.
Promises are powerful. They represent commitment, hope, and trust. In our faith journey, the promises of Jesus are an especially profound source of strength. When He makes a promise, it’s not just a fleeting assurance; it’s a covenant backed by His divine love.
One of the most beautiful examples of this is found in the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, where He extends twelve promises filled with grace, mercy, and eternal hope.
The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has a rich history, tracing back to the apparitions of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century. Over a series of revelations, Jesus expressed His desire for the world to turn to His Sacred Heart, a symbol of His burning love for humanity. Through this devotion, Jesus offered twelve promises that serve as a source of spiritual refreshment and guidance for the faithful.
But what exactly are these promises? And how can they impact your life today?
Promises of Grace and Mercy
These promises speak to the deep love and care Jesus has for us in our daily struggles. Whether you’re facing challenges in your family, at work, or in your personal faith journey, the Sacred Heart promises grace and comfort.
Imagine the peace of knowing that, no matter the hardship, Christ’s heart remains your secure refuge—both now and in the hour of death. The Sacred Heart reminds us that we are never abandoned, and His mercy is always accessible.
Promises of Deepening Relationship with Christ
These promises reflect Christ’s desire for us to deepen our relationship with Him. Whether we feel distant from God or we’re already growing in our spiritual lives, Jesus promises renewal and abundant blessings. For those who have felt their faith wane, there is hope. For those seeking perfection in holiness, there is the promise of grace to advance in spiritual growth.
No matter where we find ourselves on our journey, the Sacred Heart is always drawing us closer, offering new beginnings and strength.
Promises of Eternal Hope
Here we find promises of eternal significance. These beautiful assurances not only cover our earthly lives but also point toward eternity.
One of the most well-known aspects of the Sacred Heart devotion is the practice of First Fridays, where Jesus promises that those who receive Holy Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months will not die in a state of disgrace. This extraordinary promise of perseverance speaks to the heart of our Catholic faith: the promise of eternal life in union with Christ.
The blessing of a home enthroned with an image of the Sacred Heart is another powerful reminder of Christ’s presence. By placing Him at the center of our homes and families, we invite Him to shower us with blessings and protect us from spiritual harm.
These promises made by Christ offer peace in times of anxiety, hope when you feel lost, and spiritual renewal when you seek to grow closer to God.
Let’s explore a few practical ways to integrate the Sacred Heart devotion into your life:
As we reflect on the promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we’re reminded that they are not just pious words—they are true. They are Jesus’ sacred commitment to each of us, full of mercy, grace, and love.
No matter what you’re going through, you can trust that Jesus’ heart is open to you, waiting to fill you with His grace and lead you on the path to eternal life.
So, trust in His promises. Turn to the Sacred Heart with confidence, and allow Jesus to transform your life with His unfailing love.
The Twelve Apostles were the closest followers of Jesus. They spent three years in close friendship with Christ during his earthly ministry, listening to his teaching, and bearing witness to miracles.
From them, we can learn invaluable lessons about how to love and serve God in our own lives.
Saint Peter
St. Peter, also known as Simon Peter, was a native of Bethsaida near Lake Tiberias. He followed his father Jonah (also called John) into the fisherman trade alongside his brother Andrew.
Peter became part of the inner circle of Jesus, along with James and John, and stood witness to miracles like the raising of the daughter of Jairus and significant events like the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden. Despite denying Jesus at the beginning of the Passion, St. Peter became one of the earliest witnesses of the Resurrection and went on to become the first Pope.
Like most of the other Apostles, St. Peter died a martyr; crucified on an upside down cross.
You can find the Novena to St. Peter here.
Saint Andrew
St. Andrew, brother of St. Peter is credited as the first disciple called by Jesus. He originally followed as a disciple of John the Baptist, but after seeing Jesus, Scripture tells us that Andrew immediately went to find his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus (John 1:41-42).
Despite not being part of the “inner circle,” Andrew still had a close relationship to Christ. He told Jesus about the boy with the loaves and fishes, according to John 6:8.
After Jesus’s Ascension, Andrew preached the Good News around the shores of the Black Sea and throughout what is now Greece and Turkey. He died a martyr on an X-shaped cross.
Find the St. Andrew Novena here.
Saint James
St. James the Greater, son of Zebedee, was a Galelean fisherman. St. James was among the first disciples having been called by Christ while repairing his nets with his brother John. The two brothers–later nicknamed “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus–immediately followed Him.
James became part of Jesus’ “inner circle” and witnessed many extraordinary events including the Transfiguration.
After the Ascension, James spread the Gospel across Israel and the Roman kingdom, as well as Spain. The “Camino de Santiago” or the “Way of St. James” and the Cathedral of Santiago where his remains are buried have become one of the world’s most popular pilgrimage sites.
St. James was martyred by decapitation in Jerusalem and was the first of the apostles to die for the faith.
Pray the St. James the Greater Novena here.
Saint John
St. John the Apostle, also called John the Evangelist or the Beloved Disciple, was the son of a Galilean fisherman named Zebedee and the younger brother of St. James.
As part of Jesus’ “inner circle,” John witnessed many miracles and significant events, but unlike Peter and James, John was the only apostle who stood by Chirst during His Passion and Death. Standing at the foot of the Cross, John was entrusted the Blessed Mother by Christ, and the Scriptures tell us that John from that moment on “took [Mary] into his home.”
After the events of the Gospels, John’s story largely passes into uncertainty. Many scholars believe that St. John lived the longest of the Twelve Apostles and unlike the others, did not die a martyr. He wrote the fourth Gospel, as well as three letters in the New Testament.
Find the St. John the Apostle novena here.
Saint James
St. James the Less was given the title “the Less” to distinguish him from the other apostle James; it is unclear if this title specifically is used because he was the younger or the shorter of the two.
Scholars agree that St. James the Less was the son of Alpheus mentioned in Scripture and that his mother was a close relative of the Blessed Mother, which is why he is sometimes referred to as the “Brother” of Christ.
James the Less held a distinguished position in the early Church and Christian community. According to tradition, he was the first Bishop of Jerusalem and presided over the Council there in 50 A.D. Tradition also recognizes him as the author of the Epistle.
He died a martyr in Jerusalem.
Pray the St. James the Less Novena found here.
Saint Philip
St. Philip was born in Bethsaida, Galilee and may have been a disciple of John the Baptist before following Christ. He is only mentioned a few times in Scripture which places him at the miracle of the loaves and fishes, the Ascension, and the Descent of the Holy Spirit. He also later brought Nathaniel as a new disciple.
According to tradition, he preached the Good News in Greece and died a martyr on an upside down crucifix.
Saints Philip and James share a feast day commemorating the anniversary of the dedication of the sixth century church in Rome that was named after them (now called the Church of the Twelve Apostles.
Here is a novena to pray to Saints Philip and James.
Saint Bartholomew
Scripture says little about St. Bartholomew except that he was one of the Twelve. The name “Bartholomew” means “son of Tolomai” and many scholars believe that he is the same as Nathanael mentioned in the Gospel of John and brought to Christ by Philip.
Tradition says he preached the Gospel in India as well as Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt and Greater Armenia, where he was flayed and beheaded by King Astyages.
Find the St. Bartholomew Novena here.
Saint Thomas
Though he is often remembered by his unfortunate nickname “Doubting Thomas,” St. Thomas (also called “Didymus” meaning “twin”) had many moments of profound bravery and faith recorded in Scripture.
When Jesus planned to return to Judea to visit His sick friend Lazarus, a dangerous trip given the growing hostility of the authorities, Thomas exhorted the other Apostles: “”Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16).
Thomas was not hiding in fear with the other disciples when Jesus appeared in the locked room after the Resurrection.
When Christ appeared again, this time with Thomas in the room, Thomas was able to verify the truth of the Resurrection by sticking his hands into the wounds of Christ and promptly made a profession of faith: “My Lord and my God.”
It is believed that Thomas went to evangelize the Parthians, Medes, and Persians. He ultimately reached India bringing the faith to the Malabar coast, and was speared to death at Calamine.
Find the St. Thomas Novena here.
Saint Matthew
St. Matthew was the son of Alpheus and was most likely born in Galilee. He worked as a tax collector, a hated profession among the Jews of the time. The Gospel tells us that Jesus came to Matthew saying: “Follow Me” and with that simple call he became a disciple of Christ.
Tradition tells us Matthew preached the Good News to many–first among the Hebrews and then in Ethiopia to the south of the Caspian Sea, parts of Persia, Macedonia, and Syria. St. Matthew also speaks to us today through his Gospel writings.
Pray a novena to St. Matthew found here.
Saint Jude
St. Jude, also called Thaddeus which means sweetness and gentleness of character, was a son of Clopas and his mother Mary was the Virgin Mary’s cousin.
He went on to preach the Gospel in Judea, Samaria, Idumaea, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Lybia. He also authored the Epistle of Jude which addresses the Churches of the East, particularly the Jewish converts and speaks out against the prominent heresies of the time.
Scholars believe St. Jude died a martyr in either Armenia or Beirut and his remains can be found in St. Peter’s Basilica. Today he is primarily known as the “Patron Saint of Hopeless Causes” because of his efficacious intercession, particularly through his novena.
Find the powerful novena to St. Jude here.
Saint Simon
St. Simon was also called St. Simon the Zealot though scholars argue this title was because he was a member of the radical Zealot party or because of his zeal for the Jewish law which he practiced before he followed Christ.
He was elected to be the Bishop of Jerusalem after the death of St. James the Lesser.
He preached the Gospel in Egypt and later Persia and Armenia with St. Jude. The details of his death are uncertain and the traditions among the Western and the Eastern churches differ. The tradition of the Western Church is that Simon was martyred by being sawed in half, while the Eastern traditions hold that he died peacefully.
You can find the St. Simon Novena here.
All Twelve Apostles, who included St. Matthias who replaced Judas Iscariot, alongside the Blessed Mother and other followers of Jesus were present at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came down upon them.
In the days between the Ascension and Pentecost, the disciples gathered together in the Upper Room and devoted themselves to constant prayer. On the ninth day, the Holy Spirit descended on them and poured out countless graces and spiritual gifts.
These nine days became a model of prayer for many Christians, and are considered the first Novena, a devotion which remains to be a beloved part of the Church’s spiritual treasury.
The search for your future spouse can often feel intimidating and lonely, especially in the age of online dating. Turning to the saints for prayers offers both solace and guidance.
There are many saints that can assist you in finding your future spouse. From patron saints of relationships to those renowned for their devotion to God’s will, these holy figures provide you with companionship and help in discernment on your journey.
Saint Joseph was chosen to be the husband of the Blessed Mother and the earthly father of Jesus; although he wasn’t “conceived without sin” like Mary, he still possessed the virtues and character needed for a godly marriage with her.
He also knows firsthand what it is like to wholeheartedly trust God’s plan and can help you navigate your own path with the same faith which is why you should entrust your dating life or new-found relationship to this powerful intercessor.
St. Anthony’s reputation for being a “matchmaker saint” appears to have begun in the Middle Ages when many destitute girls turned to him to ask for a dowry and a bridal trousseau which were, at the time, necessary to get married.
Today the tradition of praying to Saint Anthony in order to find one’s future spouse is particularly well known in Latin America and Portugal; Pope Francis recalled this in a conversation with students in Padua: “In Argentina we have great veneration for St Anthony; he is the patron of young people looking for their sweethearts.”
“St Anne, St Anne, find me a man.” This is a common prayer offered by young women in search of a husband, though the history and the reasoning behind asking for her intercession for meeting a future spouse is unclear.
Along with her husband St. Joachim, St. Anne modeled a faithful marriage.
However, being the mother of Mary and the grandmother of Jesus, St. Anne’s intercession is powerful.
St. Andrew’s matchmaking reputation seems to go back to Scripture when he introduced his brother Peter to Christ, thereby helping Christ’s new Church find Her first pope.
Traditionally, particularly in Eastern European countries, the night before St. Andrew’s feast was a time to ask for relationship guidance, particularly by people wondering when they would meet their future spouse.
Through the guidance and prayers of these holy men and women, we are reminded of the enduring presence of God’s love in our lives and the power of faith to illuminate our path.
As you navigate dating and preparing for your future vocation, take comfort in the knowledge that the saints walk alongside us, offering their intercession and support.
Heartbreak is a universal human experience, one that can leave us feeling lost, vulnerable, and overwhelmed by pain. Whether it’s the end of a relationship, the loss of a loved one, or the shattering of a dream, navigating through the tumultuous waters of a broken heart can be a daunting journey.
In these moments of profound sadness and despair, we can turn to the saints who not only understand the pain of a broken heart, but can also provide hope and comfort.
No one knows the pain of a broken heart like the Blessed Mother. At the Presentation of her son in the Temple, the prophet Simeon said that “a sword will pierce” her soul.
Our Lady of Sorrows is often pictured with seven swords in heart, symbolizing the most profound moments of pain and suffering she experienced in her lifetime. Most importantly, we can look at these moments and see someone that did not try to run from sorrow and suffering, but embraced it and united herself to the suffering of her Son.
Pray to her to help you do the same in your own heartache.
The story of Saint Mary Magdalene serves as a poignant reminder to us of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love.
Mary Magdalene is often portrayed in scripture as a woman who experienced profound brokenness before encountering Jesus. She is believed to have been healed of seven demons by Jesus and became one of his most devoted followers.
Mary Magdalene remained steadfast in her love and devotion to Jesus, accompanying him throughout his ministry and even standing by his side at the foot of the cross during his crucifixion.
For those grappling with the pain of a broken heart, Mary Magdalene’s story offers reassurance that even in our deepest moments of despair, there is always hope for renewal and restoration.
Despite being the daughter of a king, St. Elizabeth of Hungary faced many heartbreaks in her life. Her mother was murdered when she was a child and she later lost her husband with whom she was deeply in love.
When she heard about her husband’s death she cried out: “The world with all its joys is now dead to me!
For six months Elizabeth was inconsolable, but ultimately she found healing and continued with her profound works of charity.
St. Dwynwen is not a particularly well-known saint but she’s an excellent friend to have when dealing with a broken heart.
Dwywen was a 5th Century Welsh Nun, and she faithfully endured the sufferings of a broken heart during her life. Before she became a nun, she had fallen in love with a Prince but was unable to marry him; after praying for healing from this pain she became a nun and lived out her life close to the heart of God.
Saint Jude
When heartache strikes, you may find yourself feeling hopeless; that’s a good time to start praying to Saint Jude who is known as the patron saint of desperate and hopeless cases.
St. Jude, also known as Thaddeus, was one of Jesus’ 12 apostles. According to the ancient church historian Eusebius, the ruler Abgar V of Edessa, afflicted with an incurable and painful disease, wrote a letter to Jesus requesting a visit in hopes of being healed. Instead, Jesus responded that he would send one of his disciples. Later, St. Jude went to evangelize the area and went to visit Abgar. Jude instantly healed Abgar with a touch.
Although it may take time, as this story of St. Jude illustrates, nothing is impossible for God and the Lord desires the healing of your afflictions, even your broken heart.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
– Isaiah 41:10
Scripture reminds us many times that we do not need to be afraid; however, fear can still creep in as we try to practice virtue and fully live the Christian life in a hostile world.
Courage is a virtue that needs to be cultivated and practiced throughout your life–both in big and small ways. Thankfully, we have the example and prayerful assistance of the saints.
These holy men and women in particular can help you grow in bravery and overcome your fear.
The silent guardian of the Holy Family, St. Joseph exemplifies courage in quiet perseverance.
Amidst the challenges of caring for Mary and Jesus, he faced uncertainty with unwavering trust in God’s divine providence.
St. Joseph teaches us that courage is not always found in grand gestures, but in the steadfast commitment to love and protect those entrusted to our care.
The Church calls on the angelic warrior St. Michael for protection against evil forces who seek to destroy Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. His constant prayers for us means that we are never alone in our daily battles.
Calling upon St. Michael empowers us to stand firm against fear, knowing that we are surrounded by heavenly protection.
A modern example of courage and sacrificial love, St. Gianna Beretta Molla faced her own mortality with steadfast faith.
Despite the risks to her own life, she chose to prioritize the life of her unborn child, a testament to the depth of her love and commitment to the sanctity of human life. St. Gianna inspires us to confront fear with selflessness and to embrace life’s challenges with courage and conviction.
In the depths of the Holocaust, St. Maximilian Kolbe’s selfless act of heroism shone brightly amidst the darkness and brutality of Auschwitz.
He offered his life in place of a fellow prisoner condemned to death, facing his martyrdom with serenity and courage. He even led his fellow cell mates in prayer as they suffered starvation and thirst.
St. Maximilian’s unwavering faith and willingness to lay down his life for others remind us that true courage springs from a heart filled with love and compassion.
Amidst persecution and martyrdom in 16th century Japan, St. Paul Miki and his companions bore witness to the courage born of faith.
Despite facing excruciating deaths, they remained steadfast in their commitment to Christ, proclaiming the Gospel until their last breath. St. Paul Miki’s courage in the face of suffering serves as a powerful example to each of us.
St. Jose Sanchez del Rio
A young martyr of the Cristero War in Mexico, St. Jose Sanchez del Rio fearlessly stood up for his faith, even in the face of torture and death.
Refusing to renounce his beliefs, he remained steadfast in his love for Christ, enduring unimaginable torture and death with unwavering courage. St. Jose Sanchez del Rio’s fearless witness to the faith inspires us to confront fear with unyielding resolve, trusting in God’s strength to carry us through any storm.
For more powerful examples of courage, look to the other Martyrs of the Church.
All you holy men and women pray that we may have the courage each day to bear witness to the Truth especially in the face of challenges and persecution .
